AT&T confirms the Galaxy S5 will be as expensive as you thought it’d be

AT&T on Thursday officially announced its Galaxy S5 launch plans, revealing that the handset will be available for preorder starting on Friday, March 21st, for $199.99 with new two-year contracts, or $649.99 off-contract. The phone can be purchased with AT&T Next 18 or Next 12 plans for $25 or $32.50 per month, respectively. The carrier confirmed it will start shipping preorders in early April without committing to an actual date, and without saying when it will start selling the device in stores – Samsung has announced an April 11th launch date for its 2014 flagship handset.

AT&T will initially have two Galaxy S5 versions in stock, including the Charcoal Black and Shimmery White versions – meaning the blue and gold models will arrive later down the road. As for the 32GB Galaxy S5 model, AT&T is yet to announce availability details.

The mobile operator has also announced that between March 21st and June 5th, it will knock $50 off the price of the Gear 2 or Gear 2 Neo smartwatch when purchased with a Galaxy S5. In a second announcement, AT&T said Samsung’s Tizen-based wearables will also be available on pre-order tomorrow, with prices starting at $299 for the Gear 2, and at $199 for the Gear 2 Neo or Gear Fit.

U.S. Cellular will also start taking pre-orders on Friday, with its Galaxy S5 version priced at $199 after rebate and with new two-year contracts. The handset will only be available in black and white, and will start selling in brick-and-mortar stores on April 11. Interestingly, the carrier will throw in a free $50 Google Play coupon with Galaxy S5 purchases. U.S. Cellular will also sell the three new Gear wearables.

The full press releases follow below.

AT&T Gears Up Pre-Orders for Samsung Galaxy S® 5

DALLAS, March 20, 2014 – AT&T2 announced that pre-orders begin tomorrow for the Samsung Galaxy S® 5 in the U.S. at att.com or at AT&T stores. Shipping for pre-orders will begin in early April.

The Galaxy S 5 is $199.99 with a two-year agreement. It is also available at $25 per month with AT&T Next 18 or $32.50 per month with AT&T Next 12. Full retail price for the device with no commitment is $649.99.

“AT&T continues to grow its leading device line and is proud to add the Samsung Galaxy S 5 to the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices, AT&T. “AT&T was the first carrier to deliver Samsung’s Galaxy family of devices to consumers in the U.S and we look forward to adding to the best selection of Samsung Galaxy models in 2014.”

Galaxy S 5 Key Features

Colors: Charcoal Black and Shimmery White
Display: Brilliant 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED® display, wide viewing angles and Multi Window capability
Memory: 2 GB RAM and 16 GBs internal storage3 with microSD support up to 128GB
50GB free storage: Available with AT&T Locker for AT&T Mobile Share Value customers
Camera: 16 megapixel rear facing camera with Phase Detection Auto Focus for ultra-fast focus times to never miss a moment
Operating System: Android 4.4 KitKat
Processor: 2.5 GHz quad core
Battery: 2,800 mAh
Size: 72.5 x 142 x 8.1mm
Weight: 145g
Security: Built-in fingerprint sensor unlocks and locks to provide secure password protection
S Health™4: Newly integrated platform lets you track nutrition, fitness and wellness, and includes the world’s first Heart Rate Sensor integrated into a smartphone
The Samsung Galaxy S 5 earned five out of five stars on AT&T’s Eco-Rating system. The system rates the environmental factors of AT&T branded handset devices and was created to empower consumer choice around sustainability. More information about this device’s rating and AT&T’s Eco-Rating System is available at att.com/ecospace. Learn how you can join AT&T in making a difference.

Samsung Galaxy S 5, Gear 2™ and Gear 2 Neo Promotional Offer

Get $50 off a Samsung Gear 2 or Gear 2 Neo when you purchase a Samsung Galaxy S 5. Offer is available beginning March 21 and ends June 5, while supplies last at att.com or at AT&T stores. Discount applied at point of purchase via barcode.

AT&T is focused on giving our customers a top-notch experience with every interaction. The company recently outperformed competitors for the second time in a row in studies measuring customer service and the wireless purchase experience. J.D. Power awarded AT&T the “Highest Ranked Customer Service Performance Among Full-Service Wireless Providers” and “Highest Satisfaction with the Purchase Experience among Full-Service Wireless Providers” in their 2014, Volume 1 studies.5
1Reliability claim based on data transfer completion rates on nationwide 4G LTE networks. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G LTE not available everywhere.

2AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

3Portion of memory occupied by existing content.

4This device, S Health, and related software is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.

5AT&T received the highest numerical score among full service wireless providers in the proprietary J.D. Power 2013 (Vol. 2) and 2014 (Vol. 1) Wireless Customer Care Full Service and Full Service Wireless Purchase Experience StudiesSM. Study based on 7,195 (Customer Care) and 8,525 (Purchase Experience) consumer responses measuring 4 full service wireless providers and measures opinions of consumers who purchased a wireless product or service within last 6 months. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed July-December 2013. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse® brand. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

DALLAS, March 20, 2014 – AT&T1 announced that pre-orders will begin tomorrow for the Samsung Gear 2, Samsung Gear 2 Neo and Samsung Gear Fit at att.com or at AT&T stores. Shipping will begin in early April. The Samsung Gear 2 is available for $299, Gear 2 Neo for $199 and the Gear Fit for $199, not including taxes. Additionally, when a Samsung Galaxy S® 5 is purchased from an AT&T company-owned retail store or att.com you can get $50 off the purchase of a Gear 2 or Gear 2 Neo2.

The Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo each have a 1.63 inch Super AMOLED display with interchangeable straps, compatible with standard 22mm pin watch bands that allow you to wear your favorite strap. Both devices are dustproof and water-resistant3, so that they can be used at the beach or on a hike, and both come equipped with a heart rate monitor.

With the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo, you can also make voice calls and send text messages right from your wrist when paired with select Galaxy mobile phones, from the company that covers 99 percent of all Americans. When paired with select Galaxy mobile phones. Automatic notifications can be sent from a Samsung Galaxy® smartphone to Gear. Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo both have a music player that lets users listen to their favorite tunes while on-the-move. Additionally, Gear 2 has a 2 megapixel camera that has been moved from the strap to the face of the device for a more sleek design.

With a 1.84 inch curved Super AMOLED display and interchangeable band, Gear Fit was designed with health and wellness in mind. With the S Health™4 feature, you can track your steps, monitor heart rate on-the-go, and receive notifications for incoming calls, texts and emails.

“The Gear products are a great addition to our already strong lineup of wearable devices that meet your needs while on-the-go,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices, AT&T. “AT&T elevates mobility to the next level. Pair the Samsung Galaxy S 5 with Gear wearables for a great value that you can take anywhere and fits your lifestyle.”

1AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

2 Offer is available beginning March 21 and ends June 5, while supplies last at att.com or at AT&T stores. Discount applied at point of purchase via barcode.

3 This device has been tested and received an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of IP67, which tests for dust intrusion and for water submersion up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Not shockproof. Covers must be tightly closed.

4This device, S Health, and related software is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse® brand. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

U.S. Cellular Presale For Samsung Galaxy S 5 Begins Tomorrow With Free $50 Google Play OfferDevice will be available for purchase in stores on April 11

CHICAGO (March 20, 2014) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) have announced that the 4G LTE™ Samsung Galaxy S® 5 will be available for customers to preorder at uscellular.com/GS5 beginning tomorrow. The Galaxy S 5 will be offered in Charcoal Black and Shimmery White and will be $199.99 after an instant rebate is applied. In addition, U.S. Cellular is offering a $50 Google Play promotional code for free to anyone who pre-orders the device online. It will be available in stores for purchase on April 11 along with the Samsung Gear™ 2, Samsung Gear 2 Neo and Samsung Gear Fit.

Customers who purchase the Galaxy S 5 from U.S. Cellular receive a valuable rewards program that recognizes customer loyalty and a network that covers them wherever they want to go. Currently 90 percent of U.S. Cellular customers are covered by a 4G LTE network, and the Galaxy S 5 is the latest 4G LTE smartphone to join the company’s cutting-edge device line-up.

“The features on the Samsung Galaxy S 5 are designed to enrich customers’ everyday lives, making it easier to get things done and stay connected with friends and family,” said Joe Settimi, vice president of products, pricing and innovation for U.S. Cellular. “We will continue to focus on providing our customers the best-in-class network, devices and technology that gives them access to experiences that enrich their lives.”

Residents of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Milwaukee and Madison, Wis., can get an early look at the Galaxy S 5 and the Gear devices by visiting select U.S. Cellular stores in their area. These devices can be checked out in Iowa and Wisconsin exclusively at the following U.S. Cellular locations beginning on March 24th:
2315 Edgewood Rd., Cedar Rapids, Iowa
4444 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
101 Junction Rd., Madison, Wis.
740 N. Water St., Milwaukee, Wis.
5670 N. Port Washington, Glendale, Wis.
The Galaxy S 5 has a 5.1-inch screen with a Full HD Super AMOLED™ display and is powered by technology that enables intuitive new camera experiences, lightning fast data connections, and fitness and nutrition tracking. You can capture photos and memories in an instant, watch crisp HD videos on an adaptive display with wide viewing angles, and keep a close eye on your exercise progress and monitor your heartbeat with S Health™ and the world’s first built-in heart rate monitor†.

The second generation of Gear offers a refined look and customizable experience with a trio of options: Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit. The Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo feature interchangeable straps, compatible with standard watch bands for a personalized look. Both feature a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display with new shortcuts and additional app support for easier navigation. The Gear Fit has an athletic design with a 1.84-inch curved Super AMOLED display and interchangeable band, The Gear Fit tracks your steps, monitors your heart rate on the go, and provides notifications of incoming calls, texts and emails.

U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, and in partnership with King Street Wireless, offers 4G LTE service to nearly 90 percent of its customers.

4G LTE not available in all areas. See uscellular.com/4G for detailed coverage info. 4G LTE service is provided in partnership with King Street Wireless. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

Purchase of a smartphone data plan, a new two-year agreement and a $35 activation fee is required. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. See uscellular.com for details.

Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy S, Super AMOLED are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.

† This device, S Health, and related software is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease

About King Street Wireless, L.P.
King Street Wireless, L.P. currently holds 700 MHz wireless spectrum in 27 states and is partnering with Chicago-based U.S. Cellular to deliver high-speed 4G LTE service to U.S. Cellular’s customers in several of the carrier’s markets. King Street Wireless is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia where it is recognized for its involvement in its community both through its economic development and philanthropic efforts. To learn more about King Street Wireless, visit http://www.kingstreetwireless.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visit http://www.samsung.com.

About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier. Currently, nearly 90 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for the third time in four years. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.